ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4509-8553
Current Organisations
Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research
,
University of Otago
,
Museum Victoria
,
La Trobe University
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Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
Date: 07-10-2022
DOI: 10.3897/RIO.8.E93841
Abstract: A Collection Health Index (CHI) is a useful approach to help scope new activities, prioritise curation and accelerate digitisation within taxonomic collections. We use a Collection Health Index (CHI), based on McGinley (1993), to profile the curation levels in the New Zealand Arthropod Collection for major insect groups. There are several highly curated and well known groups (Hemiptera, Lepidoptera, ‘Other Insects’). However, three major issues were identified: 1) curation becoming increasingly outdated in sections with large numbers of, particularly older, specimens (Coleoptera, Diptera) 2) historically poorer curation, with no resident expertise or resource (Diptera) and 3) high levels of family and genus-only material that needs further identification and a significant amount of alpha level taxonomy (parts of Coleoptera, parts of Diptera and Hymenoptera). Assessment using the CHI is simple and fast, allows future planning and is based on common issues for collection management, such as care, accessibility, organisation and data capture.
Publisher: Pacific Science
Date: 10-2008
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2011
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 06-07-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-07-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2015
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-05-2020
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 23-06-2020
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-06-2012
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 27-06-2008
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-11-2022
Abstract: Despite recent advances in high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies, a lack of locally relevant DNA reference databases limits the potential for DNA-based monitoring of bio ersity for conservation and biosecurity applications. Museums and national collections represent a compelling source of authoritatively identified genetic material for DNA database development, yet obtaining DNA barcodes from long-stored specimens may be difficult due to s le degradation. Here we demonstrate a sensitive and efficient laboratory and bioinformatic process for generating DNA barcodes from hundreds of invertebrate specimens simultaneously via the Illumina MiSeq system. Using this process, we recovered full-length (334) or partial (105) COI barcodes from 439 of 450 (98%) national collection-held invertebrate specimens. This included full-length barcodes from 146 specimens which produced low-yield DNA and no visible PCR bands, and which produced as little as a single sequence per specimen, demonstrating high sensitivity of the process. In many cases, the identity of the most abundant sequences per specimen were not the correct barcodes, necessitating the development of a taxonomy-informed process for identifying correct sequences among the sequencing output. The recovery of only partial barcodes for some taxa indicates a need to refine certain PCR primers. Nonetheless, our approach represents a highly sensitive, accurate and efficient method for targeted reference database generation, providing a foundation for DNA-based assessments and monitoring of bio ersity.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-2000
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-07-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2020
DOI: 10.1111/AEN.12463
Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
Date: 17-02-2023
DOI: 10.3897/JHR.95.95964
Abstract: Computer vision approaches, such as deep learning, potentially offer a range of benefits to entomology, particularly for the image-based identification of taxa. An experiment was conducted to gauge the ability of a convolution neural network (CNN) to identify genera of Braconidae from images of forewings. A deep learning CNN was trained via transfer learning from a small set of 488 images for 57 genera. Three-fold cross-validation achieved an accuracy of 96.7%, thus demonstrating that identification to genus using forewings is highly predictive. Further work is needed to increase both the coverage to species level and the number of images available.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2014
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2018
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 18-05-2020
DOI: 10.1093/ZOOLINNEAN/ZLAA037
Abstract: A new tribe of braconid wasps provisionally included in the Rhyssalinae, Laibaleini trib. nov., type genus Laibalea gen. nov. (type species Laibalea enigmatica sp. nov.), from Kenya and the Central African Republic, is described. A molecular dataset, with emphasis on basally derived taxa based on four gene fragments (28S D2–D3 expansion region, COI barcode, elongation factor 1-alpha and 16S ribosomal DNA), was analysed both alone and in combination with a morphological dataset. Molecular phylogenetic placement of the new species into an existing subfamily is complicated by the extreme sequence ergence of the three sequences obtained for Laibalea. In both the combined sequence analysis and the combined DNA plus morphological tree, Laibalea is recovered as a sister group to the Rhyssalinae plus all non-cyclostome lineage braconids excluding Mesostoinae, Maxfischeriinae and Aphidiinae. A consensus of morphological characters and molecular analyses suggests inclusion of Laibalea either in the otherwise principally Holarctic subfamily Rhyssalinae or perhap more basally, in the principally Gondwanan Mesostoinae s.l., although we cannot exclude the possibility that it might represent a separate basal lineage. We place Laibalea in its own tribe, provisionally included in Rhyssalinae. The DNA sequence data are presented for several genera for the first time. Avga, the type genus of Avgini, is shown not to belong to Mesostoinae s.l. or Hormiinae, but its exact relationships remain uncertain. The generic compositions of Rhyssalinae and Mesostoinae s.l. are revised. Anachyra, Apoavga, Neptihormius, Neoavga and Opiopterus are shown to belong to Mesostoinae s.s. A key to the tribes of Rhyssalinae is provided.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-08-2019
DOI: 10.1111/AFE.12353
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-07-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2019
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/AEN.12599
Abstract: The New Zealand cyclostome braconid fauna is poorly studied but has a high ersity of Mesostoinae compared to other regions. We redescribe the endemic New Zealand genus Rhyssaloides Belokobylskij, 1999 and compare it to two morphologically similar New Zealand endemics, Zealastoa Quicke & Ward, 2020 and Doryctomorpha Ashmead, 1900. Two new species, Rh. maculatus sp. nov. and Rh. noyesi sp. nov. , are described and illustrated. The species Rhyssaloides antipoda Belokobylskij, 1999, which is a parasitoid of the native cerambycid Ambeodontus tristis (Fabricius, 1775), is placed as a junior synonym of Rhyssaloides ambeodonti (Muesebeck, 1941), syn. nov. A key for determining the three known species is provided.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 18-04-2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2009
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2001
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-08-2006
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 04-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-12-2012
Abstract: Microgastrine wasps are among the most species-rich and numerous parasitoids of caterpillars (Lepidoptera). They are often host-specific and thus are extensively used in biological control efforts and figure prominently in trophic webs. However, their extraordinary ersity coupled with the occurrence of many cryptic species produces a significant taxonomic impediment. We present and release the results of 8 years (2004-2011) of DNA barcoding microgastrine wasps. Currently they are the best represented group of parasitoid Hymenoptera in the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD), a massive barcode storage and analysis data management site for the International Barcoding of Life (iBOL) program. There are records from more than 20 000 specimens from 75 countries, including 50 genera (90% of the known total) and more than 1700 species (as indicated by Barcode Index Numbers and 2% MOTU). We briefly discuss the importance of this DNA data set and its collateral information for future research in: (1) discovery of cryptic species and description of new taxa (2) estimating species numbers in bio ersity inventories (3) clarification of generic boundaries (4) biological control programmes (5) molecular studies of host-parasitoid biology and ecology (6) evaluation of shifts in species distribution and phenology and (7) fostering collaboration at national, regional and world levels. The integration of DNA barcoding with traditional morphology-based taxonomy, host records, and other data has substantially improved the accuracy of microgastrine wasp identifications and will significantly accelerate further studies on this group of parasitoids.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-10-2013
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.826
Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
Date: 30-11-2020
DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.8.E59472
Abstract: The introduction of species to new regions is occurring at an increasing rate. These introductions typically consist of species that are deliberately introduced for the purposes of biological control of pests or of species that are accidentally introduced through human-mediated transport networks. Understanding the potential and actual impacts of these introduced species requires comprehensive information on their geographic distributions and biological associations. However, apart from a few well-known case studies, such information is lacking for many introduced species which severely hinders further assessment of risks and impact. A dataset is provided on host associations, geographic distributions and dates of collection for both deliberately and accidentally-introduced parasitoid wasp species (Hymenoptera) in New Zealand. Information was obtained by digitising specimens from the New Zealand Arthropod Collection. Dates of records range from 1921 to 2017. The dataset includes 1265 specimen records, representing 127 parasitoid species from 12 families, with host records for 177 host species from 61 families and eight insect orders. These data provide baseline information to help evaluate the risk from introduced parasitoids to non-target and native species.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-02-2015
DOI: 10.1007/S00203-015-1094-3
Abstract: The endemic New Zealand weta is an enigmatic insect. Although the insect is well known by its distinctive name, considerable size, and morphology, many basic aspects of weta biology remain unknown. Here, we employed cultivation-independent enumeration techniques and rRNA gene sequencing to investigate the gut microbiota of the Auckland tree weta (Hemideina thoracica). Fluorescence in situ hybridisation performed on different sections of the gut revealed a bacterial community of fluctuating density, while rRNA gene-targeted licon pyrosequencing revealed the presence of a microbial community containing high bacterial ersity, but an apparent absence of archaea. Bacteria were further studied using full-length 16S rRNA gene sequences, with statistical testing of bacterial community membership against publicly available termite- and cockroach-derived sequences, revealing that the weta gut microbiota is similar to that of cockroaches. These data represent the first analysis of the weta microbiota and provide initial insights into the potential function of these microorganisms.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 13-11-2019
Abstract: Global changes are predicted to facilitate the introduction, establishment, and spread of species into new environments leading to potential negative impacts on local bio ersity. Evaluating the risk associated with introduced species with a high likelihood of arrival, or species that have already been introduced, is therefore increasingly important. In the present article, we outline an operational framework to provide a basis for assessing the ecological risk of introduced species in order to facilitate justifiable management decisions. The framework integrates information based on both the species and the (potential) recipient ecosystems, using existing tools to guide pest managers through the stepwise process. This enables the prediction of high-risk species and the identification of those ecosystems most vulnerable to invasion, and facilitates understanding of the potential mechanisms and magnitude of pest impacts. The framework can be applied to different invasion scenarios to evaluate the risks and impacts of species.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1111/AEN.12394
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2013
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-11-2012
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 03-12-2020
DOI: 10.1093/EE/NVAA133
Abstract: Ants represent a highly erse and ecologically important group of insects found in almost all terrestrial ecosystems. A subset of ant species have been widely transported around the globe and invade many natural ecosystems, often out-competing native counterparts and causing varying impacts on recipient ecosystems. Decisions to control non-native ant populations require an understanding of their interactions and related impacts on native communities. We employed stable isotope analysis and metabarcoding techniques to identify potential dietary niche overlap and identify gut contents of 10 ant species found in natural ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand. Additionally, we looked at co-occurrence to identify potential competitive interactions among native and non-native ant species. Ants fed mainly across two trophic levels, with high dietary overlap. Relative to other ant species s led, two non-native ant species, Linepithema humile and Technomyrmex jocosus, were found to feed at the lowest trophic level. The largest isotopic niche overlap was observed between the native Monomorium antarcticum and the invasive Ochetellus glaber, with analyses revealing a negative co-occurrence pattern. Sequence data of ant gut content identified 51 molecular operational taxonomic units, representing 22 orders and 34 families, and primarily consisting of arthropod DNA. Although we generally found high dietary overlap among species, negative occurrence between a dominant, non-native species and a ubiquitous native species indicates that species-specific interactions could be negatively impacting native ecosystems. Our research progresses and informs the currently limited knowledge around establishing protocols for metabarcoding to investigate ant diet and interactions between native and non-native ant species.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-01-2020
DOI: 10.1111/DDI.13021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-1998
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2012
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2004
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-2002
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-10-2016
DOI: 10.1038/SREP34953
Abstract: Effective detection plays an important role in the surveillance and management of invasive species. Invasive ants are very difficult to eradicate and are prone to imperfect detection because of their small size and cryptic nature. Here we demonstrate the use of spatially explicit surveillance models to estimate the probability that Argentine ants ( Linepithema humile ) have been eradicated from an offshore island site, given their absence across four surveys and three surveillance methods, conducted since ant control was applied. The probability of eradication increased sharply as each survey was conducted. Using all surveys and surveillance methods combined, the overall median probability of eradication of Argentine ants was 0.96. There was a high level of confidence in this result, with a high Credible Interval Value of 0.87. Our results demonstrate the value of spatially explicit surveillance models for the likelihood of eradication of Argentine ants. We argue that such models are vital to give confidence in eradication programs, especially from highly valued conservation areas such as offshore islands.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-02-2022
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 24-10-2013
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.3722.4.6
Abstract: A new genus of Microgastrinae, Shireplitis Fernández-Triana and Ward, is described as endemic from New Zealand. Shireplitis resembles the Holarctic genus Paroplitis Mason, although morphological and molecular data reveal they are not likely to be closely related but are an ex le of convergent evolution. Shireplitis comprises species mostly found in moss, litter, or tussock grasslands, usually at moderate altitude on several New Zealand mountain ranges. Keys to all species from both genera are provided. Seven new species are described: Paroplitis vietnamensis van Achterberg and Fernández-Triana, and six Shireplitis species authored by Fernández-Triana and Ward: S. bilboi, S. frodoi, S. meriadoci, S. peregrini, S. samwisei and S. tolkieni.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 20-12-2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2013
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-07-2021
DOI: 10.1111/EEN.13068
Abstract: 1. A demographic Allee effect refers to increasing per capita population growth with increasing abundance. It arises from component Allee effects, which exist when some component of in idual fitness has a positive relationship with density. Newly arrived populations tend to be small, and their establishment success is influenced by various factors, including demographic Allee effects. Identifying mechanisms driving the Allee effect is of relevance for understanding establishment failure, developing strategies for improving biological control and conservation, and for managing biological invasions. 2. We utilised an invasive plant biocontrol agent, Neolema ogloblini , as model to study Allee effects experienced by invading populations. We investigated mating failure and predator satiation as two component Allee effects that could potentially drive a demographic Allee effect in N. ogloblini populations. 3. We released unmated adults onto isolated host patches using five release sizes and evaluated the mating status of females after 3 weeks in the field. The probability of being mated increased as number of males recovered increased, suggesting the presence of a mating‐failure component Allee effect in very small populations of N. ogloblini . Exclosures were used to evaluate survival of immatures of N. ogloblini developing in small group sizes, either in the presence or absence of generalist predators. Results revealed high levels of predation, but a positive relationship between larval survival and group size in the presence of generalist predators could not be verified. 4. Our study identified relevant life‐history traits contributing to establishment failure in N. ogloblini and demonstrates the value of biocontrol agents as models to study mechanisms of species invasion.
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date: 22-12-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-1998
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2002
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 18-06-2020
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4801.2.3
Abstract: A new genus of Microgastrinae parasitoid wasp endemic to New Zealand, Notogaster gen. nov. Fernández-Triana and Ward, is described, with ten new species: Notogaster avilai sp. nov., N. charlesi sp. nov., N. macdonaldae sp. nov., N. martini sp. nov., N. poultonae sp. nov., N. sucklingi sp. nov., N. toddae sp. nov., N. walkeri sp. nov., N. withersae sp. nov. and N. wornerae sp. nov. Based on some features, Notogaster resembles the genus Pholetesor Mason, although morphological and molecular data reveal they are not closely related. Notogaster is found throughout New Zealand, although many species are predominantly in the South Island. Species have been collected from a range of habitats, elevations, and collecting techniques. No host information is currently available.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 12-06-2014
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.435
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-11-2020
DOI: 10.1111/EEN.12979
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 29-05-2018
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4425.1.3
Abstract: The Tersilochinae (Ichneumonidae) from New Zealand are revised in part, with three new endemic genera and seventeen new species described: Aotearoazeus gen. nov., A. bullivantus sp. nov., A. coronetus sp. nov., A. probles sp. nov., Barycnellus gen. nov., B. aucklandellus sp. nov., B. conlisus sp. nov., B. cuvierensis sp. nov., B. globosus sp. nov., B. robustus sp. nov., Diaparsis zealandica sp. nov., Gauldiana gen. nov., G. arantia sp. nov., G. aspiringa sp. nov., G. dubia sp. nov., G. kaweka sp. nov., G. minuta sp. nov., G. nigra sp. nov., G. rotoitia sp. nov., and G. triangulata sp. nov. Zealochus postfurcalis is transferred to the genus Gauldiana (comb. nov.). The genus Diaparsis is recorded from New Zealand for the first time. Keys to genera and species of Tersilochinae occurring in New Zealand are provided.
Publisher: The Royal Society
Date: 19-11-2018
Abstract: There is increasing concern about the decline of pollinators worldwide. However, despite reports that pollinator declines are widespread, data are scarce and often geographically and taxonomically biased. These biases limit robust inference about any potential pollinator crisis. Non-structured and opportunistic historical specimen collection data provide the only source of historical information which can serve as a baseline for identifying pollinator declines. Specimens historically collected and preserved in museums not only provide information on where and when species were collected, but also contain other ecological information such as species interactions and morphological traits. Here, we provide a synthesis of how researchers have used historical data to identify long-term changes in bio ersity, species abundances, morphology and pollination services. Despite recent advances, we show that information on the status and trends of most pollinators is absent. We highlight opportunities and limitations to progress the assessment of pollinator declines globally. Finally, we demonstrate different approaches to analysing museum collection data using two contrasting case studies from distinct geographical regions (New Zealand and Spain) for which long-term pollinator declines have never been assessed. There is immense potential for museum specimens to play a central role in assessing the extent of the global pollination crisis. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Biological collections for understanding bio ersity in the Anthropocene’.
Publisher: PeerJ
Date: 05-04-2018
DOI: 10.7717/PEERJ.4642
Abstract: Parasitoid wasps are a mega- erse, ecologically dominant, but poorly studied component of global bio ersity. In order to maximise the efficiency and reduce the cost of their collection, the application of optimal s ling techniques is necessary. Two sites in Auckland, New Zealand were s led intensively to determine the relationship between s ling effort and observed species richness of parasitoid wasps from the family Ichneumonidae. Twenty traps were deployed at each site at three different times over the austral summer period, resulting in a total s ling effort of 840 Malaise-trap-days. Rarefaction techniques and non-parametric estimators were used to predict species richness and to evaluate the variation and completeness of s ling. Despite an intensive Malaise-trapping regime over the summer period, no asymptote of species richness was reached. At best, s ling captured two-thirds of parasitoid wasp species present. The estimated total number of species present depended on the month of s ling and the statistical estimator used. Consequently, the use of fewer traps would have caught only a small proportion of all species (one trap 7–21% two traps 13–32%), and many traps contributed little to the overall number of in iduals caught. However, variation in the catch of in idual Malaise traps was not explained by seasonal turnover of species, vegetation or environmental conditions surrounding the trap, or distance of traps to one another. Overall the results demonstrate that even with an intense s ling effort the community is incompletely s led. The use of only a few traps and/or for very short periods severely limits the estimates of richness because (i) fewer in iduals are caught leading to a greater number of singletons and (ii) the considerable variation of in idual traps means some traps will contribute few or no in iduals. Understanding how s ling effort affects the richness and ersity of parasitoid wasps is a useful foundation for future studies.
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 07-05-2018
Abstract: Because of the globalization of trade and travel, worldwide invasion rates are high. A potential driver of the global acceleration of new invasions is the so-called bridgehead effect, in which initial invasive populations serve as the source of additional invasions via secondary introductions. However, the frequency and overall importance of secondary introductions remain largely unknown. Using a remarkable dataset, spanning nearly 100 years (1914–2013), of ant interceptions at air and maritime ports in the United States and New Zealand, we found that most ant introductions arise via secondary transport via intermediate regions. Our analyses also reveal positive feedback between the introduction and establishment stages of the invasion process via secondary introductions acting as a critical driver of increasing global invasion rates.
Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
Date: 05-02-2018
Abstract: Our ability to predict the identity of future invasive alien species is largely based upon knowledge of prior invasion history. Emerging alien species—those never before encountered as aliens—therefore pose a significant challenge to biosecurity interventions worldwide. Using a global database of the first regional records of alien species covering the years 1500–2005 we detected a surprisingly high proportion of species in recent records that have never been recorded as alien before. The high proportion of these emerging alien species mainly resulted from the increased accessibility of new source species pools in the native range. Risk assessment approaches that rely less on invasion history will need to be prioritized.
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 30-10-2014
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.3878.6.4
Abstract: An overview of Cynipoidea (Hymenoptera) in New Zealand is presented with information on families, genera, and when available, species. Notes on their distribution, biology, and a taxonomic key are provided. The New Zealand cynipoid fauna is very poorly known, with only 11 described species, and five genus-only taxa. The fauna is dominated by introduced species two species have been deliberately introduced as biological control agents, and at least 12 taxa are definitely or probably adventives. Many of these species are widespread and collected from modified and non-native habitats. New generic records of Figitidae for New Zealand include: Xyalaspis (Anacharitinae), Ganaspis, (Eucoilinae), and Thoreauella (Emargininae), all of which are considered adventives. There are no native species of gall forming wasps (Cynipidae) in New Zealand, and only two native species of Figitidae are present: Anacharis zealandica Ashmead, 1900 and Kleidotoma subantarcticana Yoshimoto, 1964.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 10-07-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-2002
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2019
DOI: 10.1111/AEN.12415
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-03-2021
Abstract: Invasive alien species can cause detrimental changes in native ecosystems, but our understanding of the interactions between multiple exotic species is limited. To evaluate the joint effect of multiple sympatric invaders on an ecosystem, we must first understand how they interact with each other. Here, we quantified the spatial distribution, dietary composition and overlap of four invasive generalist vespid species (two Vespula and two Polistes ) that co‐occur on Ahuahu off the north‐east coast of New Zealand. We used DNA metabarcoding of larval faecal material to identify prey species, and mapped the locations of nests. We observed clear spatial partitioning, with different wasp species aggregating in different habitats. Diet differed both among wasp species (diet partitioning) and among seasons (temporal partitioning). There was stronger competition (highest diet overlap) between Vespula germanica and Vespula vulgaris than between other wasp species, but partitioning resources minimised spatial and diet overlap between the four species. Additionally, we obtained high‐resolution diet inventories that help assess the combined ecological impact of invasion by multiple wasps. These species consumed mostly native and endemic invertebrates from multiple trophic levels, but particularly herbivores (Lepidoptera). We provide direct evidence that in combination they exploited a wide range of endemic invertebrates. Synthesis and applications . Our study demonstrates resource partitioning among four invasive wasps, facilitating coexistence of these generalist invaders. We conclude that coexistence probably lifies their ecological impact. Quantifying how multiple invaders exploit and partition resources provides insights into how communities assemble and helps to assess the cumulative effects of multiple invaders on the recipient community.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2015
Publisher: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Date: 08-04-2018
DOI: 10.1101/296921
Abstract: There is increasing concern about the decline of pollinators worldwide. However, despite reports that pollinator declines are widespread, data are scarce and often geographically and taxonomically biased. These biases limit robust inference about any potential pollinator crisis. Non-structured and opportunistic historical specimen collection data provide the only source of historical information which can serve as a baseline for identifying pollinator declines. Specimens historically collected and preserved in museums not only provide information on where and when species were collected, but also contain other ecological information such as species interactions and morphological traits. Here, we provide a synthesis of how researchers have used historical data to identify long-term changes in bio ersity, species abundances, morphology and pollination services. Despite recent advances, we show that information on the status and trends of most pollinators is absent, but we highlight opportunities and limitations to progress the assessment of pollinator declines globally. Finally, we demonstrate different approaches to analysing museum collection data using two contrasting case studies from distinct geographical regions (New Zealand and Spain) for which long-term pollinator declines have never been assessed. There is immense potential for museum specimens to play a central role in assessing the extent of the global pollination crisis.
Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
Date: 15-06-2021
DOI: 10.3897/RIO.7.E69765
Abstract: The New Zealand Arthropod Collection (NZAC) is the world’s largest taxonomic collection of terrestrial invertebrates from New Zealand. The NZAC policy is presented that defines the vision for the collection of being managed to the highest international standards, connected through a global infrastructure, and providing high quality, authoritative, and trusted information. The policy also provides context and guidelines for collection activities, and twenty-two objectives are outlined that will be completed over the next 5 years.
Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
Date: 25-02-2019
DOI: 10.3897/JHR.68.32954
Abstract: The first host record for Vervoortihelconscaramozzinoi van Achterberg, 1998 is presented and additional notes on its morphology are provided and illustrated. The species is recorded as parasitizing the cerambycid beetle Stenorhopalusrubiginus in Podocarpus L’Hér ex Pers (Podocarpaceae). The metasomal carapace is shown to be sexually dimorphic and comprising 4 tergites in females but 5 in males. Some aspects of metasomal sculpture are reported as being variable and others highly consistent between in iduals and differing somewhat from the original description.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-2010
Publisher: New Zealand Ecological Society
Date: 07-02-2020
Publisher: Magnolia Press
Date: 06-06-2019
DOI: 10.11646/ZOOTAXA.4613.3.6
Abstract: In the second paper on New Zealand Tersilochinae (Ichneumonidae) we review two endemic New Zealand genera, Kiwi gen. nov. (eight species) and Zealochus Khalaim (three species). Nine species are described as new to science: Kiwi barrattae sp. nov., K. canterberus sp. nov., K. earlyi sp. nov., K. gronous sp. nov., K. oreteus sp. nov., K. ruzelus sp. nov., K. waitakerus sp. nov., Zealochus abominosus sp. nov. and Z. stepheni sp. nov. Zealochus gauldi Khalaim is transferred to Kiwi (comb. nov.). Identification keys to species of Kiwi and Zealochus occurring in New Zealand are provided.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 11-2014
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-11-2006
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2018
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2007
No related grants have been discovered for Darren Ward.